Enzymes Overview and Classification

General Characteristics of Enzymes

• Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
• They are typically proteins, but some catalytic RNA molecules (ribozymes) also exist.
• Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur.

Enzyme Structure

• Enzymes have a specific three-dimensional structure that determines their function.
• The active site is a region on the enzyme where substrate binding occurs.
• Enzymes maintain a unique configuration essential for their activity.

Nomenclature and Classification of Enzymes

• Enzymes are classified into different categories based on the type of reaction they catalyze (e.g., oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases).
• Enzyme names typically reflect their substrate or the type of reaction they catalyze, often ending in "-ase."

Models of Enzyme Action

• Two primary models explain enzyme action: the Lock and Key model and the Induced Fit model.
• Lock and Key model: the substrate fits perfectly into the enzyme's active site.
• Induced Fit model: the enzyme undergoes a conformational change to accommodate the substrate.

Enzyme Specificity

• Enzymes exhibit high specificity for their substrates, determined by the shape and chemical properties of the active site.
• Factors influencing specificity include substrate concentration and structural compatibility.

Factors that Affect Enzyme Activity

• Enzyme activity can be influenced by temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.
• Optimal conditions vary depending on the specific enzyme; extreme conditions can lead to denaturation.

Extremozymes

• Extremozymes are enzymes that function in extreme conditions (high temperature, acidity, or salinity).
• They are often found in extremophilic organisms and have potential applications in biotechnology.

Enzyme Inhibition

• Enzyme inhibitors can be competitive (compete for active site) or non-competitive (bind elsewhere, altering the enzyme).
• Inhibition can be reversible or irreversible, affecting enzyme function.

Regulation of Enzyme Activity

• Enzyme activity can be regulated by allosteric sites, covalent modification, or feedback inhibition.
• Regulation is crucial for metabolic control in living organisms.

Prescription Drugs that Inhibit Enzyme Activity

• Many drugs are designed as enzyme inhibitors, playing therapeutic roles in treating diseases.
• Examples include ACE inhibitors for hypertension and statins for cholesterol management.

Enzyme Structure and General Characteristics of Vitamins

• Vitamins can serve as coenzymes or cofactors, enhancing enzyme activity.
• Water-soluble vitamins include B-complex and vitamin C; fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K.

Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Vitamins

• Water-soluble vitamins are generally not stored in large amounts and need regular intake.
• Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in body tissues, influencing their availability and metabolism.

This quiz covers the general characteristics, structures, and classification of enzymes. Participants will explore enzyme action models, specificity, and factors affecting enzyme activity. Test your knowledge on the essential functions and regulations of enzymes.